I grew up saying there were two foods that you couldn’t mess up: pizza and pancakes. And part of my reasoning could have been that I just loved them both so much. While I don’t believe that wholeheartedly anymore, you can definitely make pancakes and especially pizza exceptionally well. There’s a difference between a simple slice and a gourmet pizza, and at Luchini Pizzeria and Bar in Hollywood, those two concepts almost merge into one.

Part of the Hollywood takeover and revitalization by the TAO Group, Luchini Pizzeria & Bar is a fast-casual concept for the group best known for lavish restaurants and nightclubs. Speaking of clubs, the exit to the group’s posh Avenue nightclub exits through Luchini making the space the unofficial afterhours party headquarters where revelers can recharge and refuel thanks to the combination of a ‘by-the-slice’ pizzeria with sleek design, comfortable seating and a full bar.

And just like any TAO Group eatery, which locally now includes TAO, Beauty & Essex, as well as The Highlight Room, everything goes through Chef Marc Marrone.

“Pizza has always been a favorite food of mine,” Chef says. “It is one of my favorite things to make at home. We also have been serving a great pizza at LAVO in Vegas for years, so this concept was more about creating a real New York City style slice, which we all love.”

And the result is a damn fine tasty pie at Luchini. The slices are delicious, oversized and way affordable as a cheese slice is $3 and a pepperoni, white and/or a specialty slice is only $4. That’s good eats and at even better price.

While the pizzas are all solid, it’s The Burger & Fries dish that walks off with the MVP title. A custom burger blend with fontina, pickled chilis, green, honey mustard pickles on a salt and pepper bun, this secret item, which looks as an afterthought on a pizza menu, is killer. It’ll leaving you saying, “Wow!”

“At Luchini, the pizzas are the start, but I have to say the burger is really one of my favorites and a great alternative to the pizza,” Chef Marcs points out. “The Burger is a top seller, especially after I had it posted on social media.”

But at Luchini it’s pizza that rules the roost and I absolutely loved The White with wild mushrooms, ricotta, mozzarella, pecorino and picked jalapeño. It was so rich and absolutely fantastic. The Roni Roni with cup n char pepperoni, crushed tomato and mozzarella is a favorite on Instagram but it comes off as pepperoni pizza on steroids so I’d stick with the damn fine pepperoni.

Another absolute favorite not to miss is the Hair of the Dog with vodka sauce, sun dried tomato, ricotta and crispy prosciutto. It’s amazing! The crispy prosciutto makes this one a real winner.

If you’re looking for non-pizza options the avocado crostini is a good choice and the Farmers Market Salad is a fine healthy way to go. The Hand Cut Alfredo Fries with Calabrian chili salt, fine herbs and parmigiano is great but way too decadent. Share this one or feel the guilt afterwards.

The specialty cocktail selection is limited although I really liked the Slice of Spice with Effen Cucumber Vodka, St. Germain, cilantro, jalapeño nectar and fresh citrus, as well as the #luchiniandchill despite it having Makers Mark Whiskey (not a fave of mine), St. George Spiced Pear, and Campari (a favorite spirit of mine). If you’re not feeling the mixed drinks there are beer and wines to choose from.

Happy Hour at Luchini is offered every day from 5pm to 8pm with $8 specialty cocktails; $7 well spirits; $6 house red and white wines; $6 craft draft local beers; and $5 domestic and imported bottle beers.

Whether you’re looking for late night sustenance or a hearty lunch or dinner, you will relish the hearty comfort food at Luchini Pizzeria & Bar. The Burger will delight and the White Pizza or the Hair of the Dog will absolutely knock you out.

Luchini Pizzeria & Bar is located at 1607 Cahuenga Blvd. Open daily at 11am, closing at 3am Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and 2am on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Call 323-593-7771.